WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Everything appears to be a go for rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson to return to the Braves' lineup on Saturday when they host the Tigers in Lake Buena Vista.
"That's the plan," Braves manager Brian Snitker said Friday prior to the team's Grapefruit League game against the Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. "He did everything yesterday, all the defensive work, good BP, did the conditioning."
Swanson has not played in a game since March 4, when he complained of soreness in his back after playing nine innings against the Marlins. He's been participating in drills for the past week without having any signs of discomfort. Snitker said Swanson was scheduled to have another workout at Braves camp Friday.
"If he comes back and he's good, then hopefully the plan is to get him out there tomorrow," Snitker said. "Get him out there for a couple at-bats. I want to make sure it's something you don't want to linger, and we want to make sure we nip it in the bud now. But at the same time, he needs to start playing again."
Swanson was a having a good start to Spring Training before the setback. He has seven hits in 16 at-bats (.438) with a home run and four RBIs.